General Chat

Good morning :-)

Sometimes, life can be a struggle. We find ourselves going round in circles trying to do too much. It may be that we are weighed down by anxiety and stress. Perhaps life is just a complete and utter shambles. Where do we turn? Who will help? Perhaps we should know better than to ask.

“Oh Lord, I come before you today seeking your strength and encouragement. I know that you are always with me, and I trust in your plan for my life. Help me to remember that I am never alone, and that you are always by my side to guide me through whatever challenges I may face. Give me the courage to face each day with hope and optimism, knowing that you are in control. Amen.”

Cx :-)

Good morning.........are you all 'flagged' out after yesterday's excitement (sorry, couldn't resist it). :-D

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty God,
who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help
we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, Amen


Today's Gospel is from John 14 1-14 where Jesus comforts his disciples.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I'm watching the tv coverage from the Abbey.

I can remember the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and feel blessed to be around to watch this service.

God save King Charles.

Good morning :-)

A very special day indeed!

But first.............
Sheep were treated as a prized possession in Jesus’ day. You were counted a wealthy man if you owned large flocks because they provided meat, milk, and wool. And they produced offspring.
Shepherds made many sacrifices to make sure their flocks were protected. They knew it was their livelihood at stake.

How much more precious are we than smelly sheep?

Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us because He loved us so much. He died on a cross so we would live with Him forever.

Now can you see the significance of sheep in the Bible? It is because God views us as priceless.




Today is, of course, a very special day – a day of history – a day to remember.

Coronations are religious services rather than constitutional ceremonies. The coronation does not make Charles III King. That happened on the death of his mother on 8 September 2022 and his reign was formally inaugurated at the Accession Council held two days later. At his coronation, he will be anointed, consecrated and blessed, as well as crowned.

Majestic God,
whose reign knows no end,
whose throne is justice,
mercy and peace;
bless your servant
Charles our King,
that anointed by grace
he may serve us in your name
and humbly lead us
in your kingdom ways.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Another very interesting topic, thank you Cynthia.

I'm all ready and waiting for the Coronation and will be glued to the TV set tomorrow. Something good and positive to focus on instead of the many upsets and sadness that's around just now.

Good afternoon :-)


You will never see sheep carrying a pack on their back. Other animals are good for carrying things, but not sheep. They were not meant to carry a heavy load. In fact, they would be crushed under such a weighty burden.

This is why God compares us to sheep in the Bible.
We were not meant to carry our burdens. In fact, we are to give Him our heavy load so He can carry it for us.

“Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Gosh, haven't heard that hymn in a while kandj. Lovely memories. Thank you. <3

Sheep are emotional and recognize the Shepherd’s voice
This is where stupidity ends for shepherds and sheep in the Bible.
Sheep have a remarkable instinct for knowing the voice of their shepherd. Amazingly, they will fear a stranger’s voice and flee.

Since they are emotional, they also have the ability to build friendships with other sheep and stick up for each other when in a fight. They can also get anxious or distressed.

We can learn a lot from these animals. Perhaps we don’t know His voice because we aren’t communing with Him all day and all night as sheep do with their shepherd. However, we do have the ability to hear the Shepherd’s voice if we but stop and listen.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 ).

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, after reading today's post, the words of this old school hymn came into my head.

Loving shepherd of Thy sheep
Keep Thy lamb in safety keep.
Nothing can Thy power withstand;
None can pluck me from Thy hand.

Thinking of all who feel sad today. x

Good morning :-)

The Good Shepherd

Sheep can’t get up without help
Sometimes sheep turn over on their back (like a cockroach or turtle) with their legs flailing in the air. There is an old English shepherd’s term for this. It is called “cast down.”

A “cast” sheep is actually a pitiful sight. If the shepherd does not lift up the sheep and put it back on its feet, it will die. It is completely helpless to the prey around it when in this position. Furthermore, it could get left behind when the flock moves on.

How many times have we been “cast down” or flailing on our backs?

Many of us have relied on God to get us back on our feet again. Thank goodness He loves us enough to help us get right-sided. God compares us to sheep in the Bible for good reason. We are a mess without Him.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11 ESV).

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Good Shepherd

Sheep are defenceless
One of the most interesting characteristics of sheep in the Bible is that they cannot defend themselves very well.

Have you ever seen sheep growl or show their teeth? However, when sheep are frightened by noise such as running water, they will run away together (hopefully in the right direction). They have some kind of protection as a whole group whereas, individually, they are defenceless. Sheep also kick. A ewe is especially prone to kicking if she is protecting her young.

We are much the same way. We can kick a little and run but, mostly, we are defenceless. God compares us to sheep in the Bible because we need His protection. We need to stick together as fellow Christians.

Check out this sheep in the Bible verse. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 ESV).

Cx :-)

Hello all

Happy May Day everyone.

Heavenly Father
You are the Lord of peace and we await you in our
difficult times and know that faith and hope will take place in our hearts all the more firmly. Amen.

Sending a gentle hug to all who are anxious today.

Good morning :-)

Happy May day!

Yesterday’s Gospel reading was about Jesus being the Good Shepherd and how he cares for his flock – us. Why does He compare us to sheep? Actually, there are several characteristics so close to our lives – it’s quite uncanny.

Many people say sheep are stupid but let’s just say they have no sense of direction – at all. In fact, they will follow whoever is leading them – even if it leads them off a cliff. Remember the question “if your friend jumps off a cliff, would you do it too?” Well, they literally would.

How many times do we follow someone who is leading us in the wrong direction or who acts foolishly? We see them fall off the cliff and we go right down with them. This is what happens when we forget to follow Jesus faithfully.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,
from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,
where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel reading for today is the story of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

End the week with a smile.......even if it's a wry one!


End the week with a smile - even if it’s a wry smile…..

Store your Bible in your heart, not on a shelf.

A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.

God loves us the way we are, but too much to leave us that way.

Wrinkled with problems? Go to God for a faith lift.

Church Welcome Sign: ATM inside. Acceptance, truth, mercy. No card needed.

Spend your time with God’s Book, not Facebook.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Start your day with a smile.

Forbidden fruit creates many jams.

Pray anywhere because God is everywhere.

Today’s forecast: The Son shines and the Lord reigns!

Honk if you love Jesus; text if you want to meet Him.

Read the Bible. It will scare the Hell out of you!

God wants to meet your need, not your greed.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

If possible, start your day with a smile.

What did pirates call Noah's boat? "The arrrrrrk."

Always remember that Hell is un-cool.

If God is your co-pilot, switch seats.

Some people are like buttons, always “popping” off when they don’t need to.

Get connected; upload a prayer.

Swallowing your pride rarely leads to indigestion.

If you have time to worry, you have time to pray!


Cx :-)

Hello all

I've had a laugh with the funny posts from Cynthia and from Vera too. Thank you both.

May I add my funny too?

I recently checked my body weight, and
Oh my! this armour of God is heavy.

Sending a gentle hug to all who are struggling x

Good morning :-)


As Christians, we need to learn that laughter is an expression of joy. Some funny Christian sayings will start your day with a smile.

Ketchup with Jesus and relish his love!

Some humans are funny. They think God is dead and Elvis is alive!

God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

God recycles. He made you from dust.

What did Adam say to Eve when handing her something to wear? "Take it or leaf it."

I may not be perfect, but Jesus thinks I’m to die for.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


:-D :-D @ Vera. Good one! :-D

.........and there's more!!


As Christians, we need to learn that laughter is an expression of joy. Some funny Christian sayings will start your day with a smile.


Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car.

Jesus said, “I’ll be back” way before Arnold did.

Our church is like fudge: sweet with a few nuts.


Cx :-)

:-D :-D :-D :-D @ Cynthia.

It’s always good to start Monday with a smile. Of course, you know that Moses was the first person to download data from the cloud to a tablet :-)